Pollution worsens at National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WTRV) -- A National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach is becoming more and more polluted.

For the past 40 years, the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge has tested positive for high levels of bacteria that could make people sick.

As a result, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has announced it will conduct a study this year to see where the bacteria are coming from. They will determine whether it originates from farmland, wild animals or other pollution.

The state also wants to create a plan to help clean up the waterway, so it is healthier for animals and people.